Lady in Red Pt. 02 Ch. 17

"You've just insulted me, which I expected. You're floundering in the polls in your home district and you're trying to get some publicity. You're a desperate politician, and there are few things on the planet more pathetic!" snapped Gwen with passion.

"But you've also insulted the thousands of veterans and hard working Americans that traveled here to exercise the very rights they've fought so hard for, and risked so much to protect and preserve. You'll lose your next election because you have no grasp of what Americans hold dear. It isn't money! It's freedom, honor, honesty, and fairness."

"I certainly had no intention of insulting our fine veterans," backpedaled the flustered congressman. "Perhaps I phrased my question wrong. Why don't you tell us why people are flocking to Washington today to rally in your support?"

"That seems pretty obvious," responded Gwen as she once again smiled. "They care about their country. If I can be railroaded by some trumped up charges, what can happen to people with fewer resources than I have? These wonderful people are exercising their right to assembly, to peacefully express their opinions, as well as their displeasure. That's a right many of them fought to defend. I've found that lessons learned in military service usually carry over into civilian life, making veterans more willing to participate in protecting and maintaining freedoms and rights."

Representative Carlton was the next to pose questions. "Do you think it's appropriate and ethical to appear topless in movies, and even on TV on the Academy Awards show? Isn't it possible that you're sending the wrong message to today's youth? People are now able to see their congresswoman topless in movies."

"I was an actress before I was elected to Congress. Many of my constituents had seen my movies when they voted for me. My friend Billy joked that it would help me gain votes. Personally, I think this country would be better served if all of our government representatives revealed more. That would mostly mean the deals, bribes, threats, and motives that drive them to vote the way they do.

"I have some very moral, honest friends and family. They would tell me if I were behaving poorly. This guy sitting next to me is a straight arrow if there ever was one. I'd never do something that I thought would cause him embarrassment, and he hasn't complained so far. I think I'm okay with it all. I've come to realize that a girl could do worse than use me for a role model," finished Gwen.

Representative Carlton then asked questions about the hospitals that Lady in Red funded and the relief efforts in Tennessee. Her final question pertained to Gwen's future goals.

"I hope to get my M.D. degree in just over a year and become a very competent pediatric surgeon. I hope that Steve asks me to marry him once I'm out of med school, and we have several children together. It would be great if we could still make some movies and perform on TV now and then," admitted Gwen. "They're the goals I've set for myself."

Carlton felt compelled to follow with one more question. "You have no political aspirations? You don't expect to run for Congress again, or even the Senate?"

"I dislike being labeled a politician and I have no plans to run for any office. If I am voted in for another term, I will serve. I would see that as an approval of my record during my first term. If I'm not returned to Congress, I'll still have many things to keep me busy," understated Gwen.

Representative Clark was the next to question Gwen. "You're not married, according to your biography, yet you speak publicly about sleeping with your boyfriend. Don't you think that this alone would cause others to question your ethics?"

"Are you suggesting that if a twenty five year old woman has a monogamous sexual relationship with a man, she is immoral or unethical? There are many members of Congress that have had sex with people to whom they are not married. You're well aware of that, I'm sure. Tell me this, Congressman Clark, would you advocate banning from public service anyone that has engaged in sexual activities with a person, or persons, other than their spouse? I'm very interested in hearing your response."

"I'm aware of the strategy your entire team has of trying to shift the focus of this hearing to others. I am not here to respond to questions posed by you or anyone else. You admit to having sex with the man next to you and you are not married. Most god-fearing Americans consider you a loose woman, a tramp, if you will."

Gwen smiled as she instinctively placed a calming hand on Steve as he glared at Congressman Clark. "Mr. Clark, you are an ass. Your remark is not based on any sort of poll, study, or even logical thought. You've just made a very serious mistake when you attacked me personally like that. This guy sitting next to me will make certain that you're back to selling used cars when your term is up. Government has no room for quacks living on the fringe that think God loves them more than everyone else, or that He speaks directly to them.

"My love affair with Steve Hammer is public record. I assure you that being in love with, and loved by Steve does not make me a bad person. It does make me very fortunate. It certainly hasn't harmed my popularity. I can understand how you might underestimate me, but you should know enough about Steve Hammer to realize that he represents what's good in America. He's a strong, macho guy that treats ladies and children gently and with respect. He doesn't posture and make nasty, snide remarks in an attempt to improve his popularity or notoriety. Underestimating Steve Hammer is pure folly!

"I was asked a few days ago if Steve and I were king-makers. I've been thinking about that question. I'm not certain if Steve is a king-maker or not, but he sure as heck can, and will, end careers of those that fall in his disfavor. This is not a threat. I am simply advising you to not waste a lot of time or money in trying to get re-elected. It won't be happening."

Representative Clark was stunned by Gwen's response. She had just dismissed his political future. He was a rising star in his party. He was planning on running for governor after a few more terms in Congress. Now he was being told that he was politically dead!

"That's exactly why this hearing is necessary! You're trying to threaten and bully me into silence. That's not ethical. You think that having all of that money and rubbing elbows with other rich people makes you special. It doesn't! I'm on the side of God, and I will prevail."

"Wealth has nothing to do with this," assured Gwen as she sadly shook her head. "It's your foolish pride, as well as your strange belief that God favors you over others that will be your downfall. We're all born equal and make our own way. You're simply not suited for public service. That much is obvious."

"Mr. Chairman! Can she speak to me like that? I'm not the one being investigated. Do I have to sit here and listen to these threats and slanderous remarks?" demanded Clark of Chairman Fowler.

"No, of course not," answered the seasoned chairman with a straight face. "You're free to leave at any time."

Clark's mouth dropped open at Chairman Fowler's remarks. His face flushed a brilliant red just before he gathered himself together, stood and stomped angrily from the chambers.

"I would guess that Mr. Clark is finished with his questions. We'll adjourn until one PM," declared the crusty chairman as he banged his gavel.

Reporters were gathered on the steps of the Capitol waiting for Gwen to leave for lunch. To avoid the hassle, she simply made her way to her office with Steve, while Paula, Ted, Stephanie, and Ashley followed right behind them.

"I'm hearing from people stationed out by the mall," reported Stephanie as the group ate sandwiches and drank juice and soda for lunch. "We had those Jumbotrons set up by the time Gwen was sworn in this morning. Crews worked most of the night on them once we received permission to install them.

"The crowd is huge and it's still growing. I'm getting reports of almost a hundred thousand people milling around while watching the listening to the hearing on the huge screens. Every time Gwen finishes speaking, cheers go up. Clark was booed pretty badly after his outburst.

"President Hanson and his wife will be at the mall when you speak, Gwen. Secretary and Mrs. Rosen have advised us that they'll arrive shortly after noon and will be prepared to be thanked in a very public manner by you. Steve has Senator Chatham lined up to appear as well."

"Steve and I discussed this at some length, in case any of you are wondering why I asked Rosen and his wife to accept my thanks today. This goes no further," cautioned Gwen. "We both feel he's the best candidate running for the White House. He's been having some difficulty gaining traction in the polls. He's yet to win a primary. We've decided to give him a boost, at least if appearing with Steve and me is as beneficial as we've been told."

"We've come to realize how much of an advantage it is to be on good terms with the President of the United States," added Steve with a wry grin. "I could've been drummed out of the service for my outburst the night I was interviewed at the airport about Gwen's investigation. President Hanson intervened. We'll be involved in a lot of international efforts and having a friend in the White House could help smooth the way."

"So you have decided to become king-makers after all?" marveled Paula. "Your grandfather, William, insists that you two are the most powerful couple on the planet. It's difficult for me to accept, simply because I'm so close to you."

"Don't get too carried away, Mom," warned Gwen. "We're just going to be friendly to him and see if it helps him in the polls. We can't commit to supporting a candidate at this point. If the guy we don't support gets elected, it could make our efforts more difficult, so we're playing it close to the vest for now."

"If the committee votes to censure you, Gwen, or possibly even expel you, your support might become a moot point," observed Ashley. "I don't think it's very likely, but it ain't over until it's over."

"Gwen's in the catbird seat here," insisted Steve. "They never should've had this hearing. They allowed envy and desire to overcome common sense. If they'd investigated any of the ridiculous accusations before deciding a hearing was needed, it would have all blown over. But this will all serve to strengthen Gwen's position in Congress. Look what happened to Simpson when he publicly insulted her. Clark will never get re-elected. I promise you that.

"Gwen will be seen as a truly beautiful, kind, thoughtful Congresswoman, that happens to have a miserable prick of a hatchet man by her side," predicted Steve. "That'll be obvious to all by the time I finish burying Clark. Politicians' new found love for Gwen will be tempered with a dose of fear. That's a very effective combination."

"I'll be going on stage with Steve to thank everyone at the rally," continued Gwen. "Then I'll ask Mom and Dad to come up and be recognized, followed by Ashley and Stephanie. People want to see more of you after your appearances at the hearings. Then I'll introduce and thank President and Mrs. Hanson, Senator Chatham and Secretary and Mrs. Rosen. We'll be very warm to the Hansons and Chatham. We haven't quite decided how friendly we want to be to the Rosens. We're testing the waters here to see if our friendship over this matter will make any difference in the polls. There are several primaries next week in the Northeast. If Rosen finishes better than a close third, we'll feel like we had some effect."

"As you know, Charlie and Jordan have the band ready to set up and play," continued Steve. "They'll be ready to go within half an hour of when Gwen announces that we'd like to thank our supporters with an impromptu concert. We expect to come out way ahead after this stupid investigation concludes. A good concert with a big crowd will be a little display of Gwen's popularity and influence. This town is built on power, and Gwen's about to take her position near the top of that power structure."

"This sounds like a lot more than a couple of kids just trying to help people in need," observed Ted. "Do you have long range plans you're not telling us?"

"Right now, my plan is to solidify Gwen's position so she never has to go through this kind of crap again," stated Steve firmly. "We've come to realize that no good deed goes unpunished, so we're taking steps to protect and strengthen our position. We're not trying to control people so much as to prevent them from hindering us in future efforts. They'll discover that when they leave us alone, we leave them alone. We've been a bit naïve about politics and government, but we're fast learners."

"I'm just glad that you're on Gwen's side," stated Paula as she saw the determination in Steve's face. "I 'm sure that Representative Clark will learn that you're much better to have as a friend than as an enemy."

The afternoon session produced no surprises. Gwen easily answered all questions without any hint of apology or wrong doing. At three thirty, none of the committee members had any more questions to pose.

"Is there a motion to recommend punitive action against Ms. Anderson?" asked Chairman Fowler of the committee members as he surveyed the room while waiting to see if any of them wanted to pursue the matter.

"Ms. Anderson, I feel compelled to apologize for putting you through this charade," began Chairman Fowler when no member presented a motion. "This hearing was unnecessary and ill advised. A few weeks ago, there were powerful members in Congress that demanded that we have a hearing on your conduct and ethics. The situation is far different today. Most of those critics have gone silent. One has resigned in shame.

"Lieutenant Hammer's willingness to challenge Congress in this matter was unexpected, but very sound strategy. This institution has at times, become self serving and quite hypocritical. Mr. Hammer made it clear that we'd be exposed for our faults and weaknesses if we insisted on placing any wrong-doing at your door. I think you both have done this nation a great service. It's my hope that we'll begin holding ourselves to a higher standard, and that the voters will demand it. You have thousands of people waiting to hear from you, so we won't hold you any longer. This meeting is adjourned!"

Gwen stood and hugged Steve, her parents, Stephanie, and Ashley. Then she made her way to Chairman Fowler's seat. He stood as she approached and was both surprised and pleased when she hugged him and spoke to him briefly. Then she kissed the older man's cheek and returned to join Steve and the others.

Travel was difficult, because of the huge influx of people in Washington. It took the group half an hour to reach the stage, but finally Gwen tugged Steve's hand as she led him up the steps while the crowd roared its approval. As was her style, Gwen spoke very briefly to the thousands that had been waiting for her.

"Thank you so much for showing up today! You have no idea how much your support means to me. I'm humbled, yet very proud. I have to thank the man standing here with me," was all she managed before the cheering and yelling drowned her voice out.

Steve smiled and waved to the huge crowd that surrounded the stage as he held Gwen's hand. When the noise abated, Gwen introduced her parents as they made their way onto the stage. They had huge smiles and waved to the crowd.

Ted Anderson was extremely nervous as he looked over the ocean of faces cheering for him. He marveled at how comfortable Gwen was in front of the thousands of fans and supporters. He clutched Paula's hand and followed her lead by waving steadily.

Once again, Gwen waited until she could be heard. When Stephanie and Ashley were introduced, wolf whistles were heard along with the applause and cheers. Once again, Gwen signaled for the crowd to quiet down.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, there are a few people that came out in my support early on, and unequivocally. I want to thank them right now. Please welcome President and Mrs. Hanson!"

The crowd gave the president a very warm welcome, even if it lacked the enthusiasm shown for Gwen, Steve, and family. President Hanson was greeted by Gwen with a long hug and a quick kiss on the cheek. At the same time, Mrs. Hanson had wrapped her arms around Steve as he stood at attention, and hugged him hard before pecking his cheek and then waving to the cheering crowd. She them moved to Gwen and the two women embraced as Steve and President Hanson shook hands, once the President allowed Steve to be 'at ease'.

Gwen allowed the crowd to carry on as long as its momentum lasted. Once the din began to let up, she announced, "Please welcome Senator Chatham!" The welcome for Steve's boss was surprisingly loud and long. She hugged Gwen and when she went to embrace Steve, he wrapped his arms around her and swung her around, much to the enjoyment of the crowd. When Steve set her back down, she was flushed, but had a huge smile on her face as she waved to the crowd.

Gwen once again addressed her supporters. "All of the presidential candidates had asked for our support when they declared their candidacy. Then all but one went MIA when the accusations against me hit the fan. Just one announced presidential candidate offered me his unconditional support when this ethics debacle first began. I want to publicly thank Secretary Vincent Rosen and his wife, Cynthia, for their support during the past few weeks. Please give them a warm welcome!"

Cynthia Rosen knew that her husband's campaign had been floundering. He had been considered the front runner for his party's nomination when he declared, but somehow failed to generate the support that he would need to gain the nomination and win the general election. When's Gwen's invitation to appear at the rally came, she had jumped at the opportunity.

As she stepped onto the stage with her husband, Cynthia Rosen, looked over the sea of faces. She knew in her heart that this was exactly what her husband needed to finally get his campaign off the ground. There were only a few months left before the convention and no clear front runner had been established.

She was certain that being seen by the public as friends of Gwen Anderson and Steve Hammer would be a huge boost! There was no one more loved and admired woman in Washington, or across the country, than Gwen Anderson. Steve Hammer had once again demonstrated how firm and determined he was and how much he would protect those he loved. His heroic exploits while still in high school and again as a US Navy SEAL marked him as a man worthy of respect, a man of action and honor.

The huge turnout in support of Gwen was proof of how highly she was regarded. Gwen and Steve formed a couple with influence like no other Cynthia Rosen had ever seen. She was delighted that Gwen had asked her husband to attend the rally. Gwen was sending a message to the voters, albeit a silent one. She and Steve liked Vincent Rosen, and that said a lot!

As Vincent Rosen strode across the stage to greet Gwen, his wife watched closely to see if her husband would get just a handshake, or a hug. When Gwen embraced Vincent Rosen warmly and then gave him a quick peck on the cheek, a delighted Cynthia Rosen wrapped her arms around Steve and hugged him tightly.

"Thanks so much for this opportunity," whispered an ecstatic Cynthia Rosen into Steve's ear. "We won't forget this, believe me!"

Gwen released Vincent and he stepped next to Steve to shake his hand heartily. Steve clapped the man on the shoulder as they shook while Gwen turned to embrace Mrs. Rosen.

"Vincent and I understand what you're doing here tonight and we both thank you for thinking of us. We owe you, big time!" managed Cynthia Rosen as Gwen smiled and nodded knowingly.